That's One in the Books: Boston 1-0, Oakland 0-1

(Win Probability graphing from Fangraphs)

What a way to start the season! Lots of drama for the fans in Tokyo, a good dose of Dice-K (who looked terrible in the first inning, but improved from there), Hideki Okajima, extra innings, a blown save from Huston Street and a shaky save from Jonathan Papelbon.

The best story coming out of this is the ninth inning heroics of Brandon Moss - a late addition to the lineup to fill in for an ailing JD Drew - tying everything up with a solo shot. I'm skeptical of Drew's perpetual "ailing" status. He has a lot of natural talent, but has he ever logged in more than 140 - 145 games in a single season? Usually less. It's nice to see Moss step it up in his stead.

The other blast from a relative unknown was the two run shot by Jack Hannahan. That was an impressive cut and a taste of the surprises in store with this year's young Oakland staff.